The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is notifying visitors that several recreation areas will be temporarily closed during the Illinois firearm deer hunting seasons.
Beginning today (Friday) through Sunday, multiple locations will be closed to all vehicle and foot traffic for the annual Rend Lake Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities. The closures include:
North Sandusky Day Use Area, Boat Ramp, and Campground
South Sandusky Day Use Area, Campground, Beach, and Boat Ramp
South Marcum Day Use Area and Campground
Blackberry Nature Trail & Catfish Cove Pond & Trail
North Marcum Bike Trails
Rend Lake Bike Trail
In addition, all sections of the Rend Lake Bike Trail managed by the Corps of Engineers will be closed to anyone not actively participating in deer hunting during the upcoming firearm seasons. Those closure dates are Nov. 21–23, Dec. 4–7, and Dec. 12–14, 2025.
Affected locations include:
The trail section west of Franklin Cemetery extending to the North Marcum Day Use Area
Trail sections from North Sandusky Day Use Area to South Marcum Campground
Catfish Cove Pond & Trail
The Corps is also reminding the public that federal law prohibits the use of all motorized vehicles—including ATVs—on government-managed property. For more information, visitors may contact the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center at 618-724-2493 or email RendInfo-MVS@usace.army.mil. Updates will also be posted on the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center Facebook page.